Scientific and Technical Advice- (SBSTA)

-SBSTA’s task is to provide the COP with advice on scientific, technological and methodological matters.

-Two key areas of work in this regard are promoting the development and transfer of environmentally-friendly technologies, and conducting technical work to improve the guidelines for preparing national communications and emission inventories.

-The SBSTA also carries out methodological work in specific areas, such as the LULUCF sector, HFCs and PFCs, and adaptation and vulnerability.

-The SBSTA plays an important role as the link between the scientific information provided by expert sources such as the IPCC, and the policy-oriented needs of the COP.

-Works closely with the IPCC, sometimes requesting specific information or reports from it, and also collaborates with other relevant international organizations that share the common objective of sustainable development.

-The SBSTA and SBI work together on cross-cutting issues that touch on both their areas of expertise. These include capacity building, the vulnerability of developing countries to climate change and response measures, and the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms.

-The SBSTA and the SBI have traditionally met in parallel, at least twice a year. When they are not meeting in conjunction with the COP, the subsidiary bodies usually convene at the seat of the secretariat.

-This body is open to participation by all Parties and is multidisciplinary. It comprises government representatives competent in the relevant field of expertise. It reports regularly to the Conference of the Parties on all aspects of its work.

-It will provide assessments of the state of scientific knowledge relating to climate change and its effects

-It will respond to scientific, technological and methodological questions that the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies may put to the body

-It prepares scientific assessments on the effects of measures taken in the implementation of the Convention

-It identifies innovative, efficient and state-of-the-art technologies and know-how and advises on the ways and means of promoting development and/or transferring such technologies